Shim C, Lee Y, Lee D, Jeong B, Kim J, Choi Y, Lee G, Park DS. Effect of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction on balance and fear of falling in elderly people: a pilot study.
J Phys Ther Sci 2014;
26:1083-6. [PMID:
25140102 PMCID:
PMC4135203 DOI:
10.1589/jpts.26.1083]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of whole body
vibration exercise in the horizontal direction on balance and fear of falling in the
elderly. [Methods] This study was a case series of 17 elderly individuals. Participants
performed whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal direction using a whole body
vibration device for 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. At baseline and after
the 6-week intervention, balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up
and Go test, and fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale. [Results]
After the intervention, significant improvements from baseline values in the Berg Balance
Scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Falls Efficacy Scale were observed in the study
participants. [Conclusion] Elderly individuals who performed whole body vibration exercise
in the horizontal direction showed significant improvements in balance and fear of
falling. However, the observed benefits of whole body vibration exercise in the horizontal
direction need to be confirmed by additional studies.
Collapse